ABS or Airbag: If you had to pick one?

SanjayDalal · 5th April 2015, 11:08

My preference would be for ABS only. There are many people like me who are "vertically challenged", eg 5'5'' or shorter. We end up sitting closer to the steering wheel in order to reach the pedals. It is recommended sitting as far back as possible, from the steering wheel since an airbag deployment can seriously injure a person.
In fact thought my Ford Fiesta 1.6SXI has dual airbags, my subsequent purchase was that of a Eon Magna+ which does not have airbags, even though could I could easily afford the extra 35k for the Sports model which has a drivers side airbag.
If pedals could be made adjustable to & fro, like the steering wheel adjustable for rake & reach, I am willing to change my mind and opt for airbags. Also the news of faulty airbag sensors from Takata company of Japan, which as resulted in premature deployment & the resulting injuries, in the US, has made me a wee bit apprehensive about airbags.

kptraveller · 6th December 2016, 17:21

Though I prefer both, for the sake of voting, I'll go with Airbags.

I can always drive sedately and keep enough distance from other cars on highways making sure that I don't miss ABS. But having airbags (preferably 6 of them) can never be compromised; you might get hit by the oncoming vehicle if he's not in control!! Not having ABS also reminds us to drive carefully, but having airbags is just like an armor.

So, structurally strong car with buckled up driver having 6 airbags in the car is my pick.

McLaren Rulez · 6th December 2016, 22:15

Airbags any day of the week.

Bit surprised at the poll to be honest - it's a very naive picture to say ABS prevents a crash so that's the one to have. There's always going to be that scenario where locked wheels or not, you're going to hit something - and hit it hard. I'd think a significant percentage of crashes have little to do with locked wheels.

The last line of defence - airbags - are your only hope in these cases.

View Poll Results: Pick One
ABS	228	74.51%
Airbag	78	25.49%
Voters: 306. You may not vote on this poll

5th April 2015, 11:08	#121
SanjayDalal BHPian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Mumbai Posts: 44 Thanked: 33 Times	Re: ABS or Airbag: If you had to pick one? My preference would be for ABS only. There are many people like me who are "vertically challenged", eg 5'5'' or shorter. We end up sitting closer to the steering wheel in order to reach the pedals. It is recommended sitting as far back as possible, from the steering wheel since an airbag deployment can seriously injure a person. In fact thought my Ford Fiesta 1.6SXI has dual airbags, my subsequent purchase was that of a Eon Magna+ which does not have airbags, even though could I could easily afford the extra 35k for the Sports model which has a drivers side airbag. If pedals could be made adjustable to & fro, like the steering wheel adjustable for rake & reach, I am willing to change my mind and opt for airbags. Also the news of faulty airbag sensors from Takata company of Japan, which as resulted in premature deployment & the resulting injuries, in the US, has made me a wee bit apprehensive about airbags.
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6th December 2016, 17:21	#122
kptraveller BHPian Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 81 Thanked: 117 Times	Re: ABS or Airbag: If you had to pick one? Though I prefer both, for the sake of voting, I'll go with Airbags. I can always drive sedately and keep enough distance from other cars on highways making sure that I don't miss ABS. But having airbags (preferably 6 of them) can never be compromised; you might get hit by the oncoming vehicle if he's not in control!! Not having ABS also reminds us to drive carefully, but having airbags is just like an armor. So, structurally strong car with buckled up driver having 6 airbags in the car is my pick. Last edited by kptraveller : 6th December 2016 at 17:29.
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6th December 2016, 22:15	#123
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,465 Thanked: 5,537 Times	Re: ABS or Airbag: If you had to pick one? Airbags any day of the week. Bit surprised at the poll to be honest - it's a very naive picture to say ABS prevents a crash so that's the one to have. There's always going to be that scenario where locked wheels or not, you're going to hit something - and hit it hard. I'd think a significant percentage of crashes have little to do with locked wheels. The last line of defence - airbags - are your only hope in these cases.
	(1) Thanks